DMV offering virtual motor vehicle appointments

Idahoans can now make a virtual appointment to renew their vehicle registration. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) now offers virtual appointments for motor vehicle transactions. After a six-month soft launch and testing period, the DMV is ready to roll out virtual appointments to more customers.

“We’re always looking for more ways to serve our customers. Virtual appointments are great for folks who want to Skip the Trip to the DMV, but still want to talk to a real person,” explained DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan. “Our county agents will guide them through the virtual appointment and make sure they have all the help they need.”

Employees from several county DMV offices are offering virtual appointments, but customers from anywhere in the state can book them.

Customers can book an appointment online by going to dmv.idaho.gov and clicking the Schedule Virtual Motor Vehicle Appointment link in the top left box on the webpage. When the appointment time arrives, they will be seen by an employee via videoconferencing software. Customers must have a device (cellphone, laptop, tablet, etc.) with working video and audio capabilities. See the user guide for how to schedule appointments.

Currently, virtual appointments are only available for registration renewals. The DMV is exploring ways to offer more services via virtual appointments in the future. Over a dozen other transactions, including driver’s license renewals, change of address, and more, are available through the DMV’s online self-service portal at dmv.idaho.gov.

ITD receives BNSF ‘Tracking to Zero’ railway safety award

On July 16, the Idaho Transportation Department in District 1 was presented with the BNSF Railway Company’s inaugural “Tracking to Zero” award on behalf of the State of Idaho as one of four state transportation departments honored for dedication to improving the safety of railway grade crossings in their communities last year. Co-awardee DOTs include Montana, Wyoming, and New Mexico.

“Because trains are limited in their ability to prevent a collision, safety gains are better achieved by improving how drivers interact around railroad tracks,” said Richard Scott, BNSF’s Assistant Director of Public Projects.

This award is a first-of-its-kind initiative to recognize agencies whose proactive approach to partnership and action have resulted in less than one crossing injury incident per one million BNSF train miles traveled in their respective states per year. By working with state transportation agencies and community partners BNSF says it maintains the lowest grade crossing collision rate in the industry.

While Idaho is the 14th-largest state in the country, the Idaho portion of the BNSF Railway network exists exclusively within the Panhandle region of District 1, with approximately 130 miles of railway and 91 crossings that stretch between Bonners Ferry and Coeur d’Alene, and from the Washington to Montana state lines.

“It’s not just railroad crossings on state routes that we manage,” District Traffic Engineer Nathan Herbst said. ITD is responsible for all railroad crossings not on private property, meaning there is state responsibility for those occurring on county and local roads as well.

“As an agency, each year we make progress to upgrade more and more crossings throughout the state. Ideally, the goal for ITD is to eventually see some type of active control or signalization at every at-grade crossing in Idaho,” Herbst said.

On average, the cost to enhance these crossings can be anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million, which can come from state or federal funding or through grant opportunities.

“It truly is a team effort between the agencies,” Traffic Engineering Manager Lee Bernardi stated. Every year members of ITD’s traffic team meet with BNSF specialists in the field at various crossings to review them from a safety perspective and work together to decide the best course of action to improve safety.

“We are all experts in our own arenas, so by combining that expertise and insight from the people who are interacting with those crossings on a daily basis, like train engineers who observe fatalities, incidents and near-misses, we are able to anticipate safety risks and create a mitigation plan before a crash occurs,” said Bernardi.

Over the years, enhancements to safety have resulted from physical improvements such as constructing grade-separated crossings and enhanced signalization systems, but what has likely been the most impactful measure of success for ITD has been the meaningful and collaborative partnership with BNSF.

This relationship continually supports timely and effective safety measures embedded within routine transportation projects. It played a key role in the successful bid to secure grant funding for the SH-53 Pleasant View Interchange. That project, slated to begin construction later this summer and ultimately eliminate three at-grade crossings, will completely overhaul the safety dynamic of roadway-railway interactions along the corridor.

In 2023, several projects throughout the district served as a testament to agencies’ cohesive alliance. ITD created and posted safe access points for railway crews while they built a second railroad bridge across Lake Pend Oreille, coordinated to obtain interim railroad permits to keep active construction moving on SH-53 near Rathdrum, and worked together to overcome obstacles with regard to impacted property while expanding US-2 and improving vertical clearance under a railroad bridge in Sandpoint.

A huge point of pride with this award, according to Bernardi, is the fact that it isn’t something ITD was intentionally trying to achieve.

“We didn’t know until about a week ago that we had been selected to receive this award, so this focus on safety and prevention is honestly the organic result of our agencies commitment to the wellbeing of our transportation users and our productive partnership with BNSF,” Bernardi explained.

Add it to the list of things that make our state a wonderful place to live, work and visit—drivers in Idaho can count on peace of mind knowing that safety on our roadways, and railways, remains a top priority for all.

“We are excited at the opportunity to maintain our status as a top contender for this award for years to come and will continue to support ‘Tracking Towards Zero’ with our partners at BNSF,” Bernardi proclaimed.

511 “End of Project” notifications improve service to workers, drivers

Any improvement to the 511 Idaho Traveler Information System represents a customer-service milestone for the thousands of Gem State drivers who have signed up for alerts through the system. One of the improvements from this past year also benefits ITD’s internal customers – engineers, inspectors, project managers, and maintenance personnel.

Polygon shape for drawing boundaries in the 511 app

The improvement involves including an “end of project” notification via email and text, so users know how long the project will be impacting their commute or drive. If the project goes beyond the time expected, that information is also relayed. The email notification was accomplished fairly easily, but the text notification involves an update from the 511 vendor, which should be done within a few weeks.

The 511 user can signify the area they want notifications for by drawing it on a map once they log in to their account. “So if you wanted to know of any work within a 50-mile radius of your commute route, for instance, you could do that,” says 511 Coordinator Barton Phelps. The map to the left shows a “boundary” map selected in the system.

In addition to alerting users as to the end date for projects, an improvement was also added that provides a notice of upcoming projects that could impact the travel area up to 72 hours in advance of the start of the work.

Road closures remain on SH-3 and US-12 due to wildland fire response

Sections of State Highway 3 and U.S. Highway 12 remain closed as part of the ongoing emergency response as several wildfires sparked by Wednesday’s lightning storm continue to burn across North Central Idaho. All lanes on SH-3 are closed from Julietta to Arrow. US 12 remains closed from Spalding to Peck at the time of this release.

For current information, please continue to reference the following sources below:

Travel information such as closures and roadway conditions – Idaho 511 – https://511.idaho.gov/.
Idaho State Police – https://isp.idaho.gov/category/district-2/.

Status of the fires:

InciWeb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/.
Idaho Department of Lands at https://www.facebook.com/IdahoDepartmentofLands.

Local sheriffs are responsible for ordering evacuations:

Latah County – https://www.facebook.com/LatahCountySO or https://latahcountyid.gov/sheriff/.
Nez Perce County – https://www.facebook.com/NezPerceCountySheriffsOffice or https://www.co.nezperce.id.us/.

ITD resources and personnel have been mobilized from Coeur d’Alene to Lewiston to assist with the fires. Coordination with county and state law enforcement partners continues as well.

The safety of the public is a priority so please avoid the area. Therefore, only essential travel at this time is encouraged. The department and first responders appreciate your cooperation during this dynamic and evolving situation.

Multiple seal coating projects to start in the Wood River Valley

Drone photo of the intersection with mountains in the background

Several sections of State Highway 21, State Highway 75, State Highway 24, State Highway 81, and State Highway 77 will begin receiving surface treatment as early as Monday. Seal coating will begin in Stanley and move through the Wood River Valley for about a month. The sections listed below are in the order that work will be performed:

Stanley SH 21 for .41 miles
Galena SH 75 for 11.56 miles
Ohio Gulch SH 75 2.82 miles
SH 24
SH 81
SH 77

Lane closures will be in effect while crews work on each section. A pilot car will be in place to guide traffic. Drivers should expect delays and consider alternate routes when available.

Seal coating helps extend the life of pavement, reduce the amount of damage done by weather and give a water-resistant surface.

Work should be completed by the beginning of September. For live traffic updates go to Idaho 511

Impacts to CDA River recreation near Cataldo set to begin as work progresses on I-90 bridges

Aerial view of the CDA river beneath I-90 near Cataldo

As preliminary work continues for the Interstate 90 bridges near Cataldo, crews are installing a temporary work bridge across the Coeur d’Alene River. The bridge will allow personnel and equipment access to the interstate bridges during demolition and construction.

The project is scheduled to extend from 2024 to 2026. For safety, during this time recreational access and use of the river near the construction zone will be restricted for 500 feet on both sides of the bridges.

Starting as early as next week, all marine traffic will be directed to the east side of the river until safe passage beneath the temporary bridge is established. At that time access will be restricted and through-passage on the river will be closed weekly Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the remainder of the 2024 construction season while crews work above the river. Examples of activities that will be restricted within the work zone include, but are not limited to, boating, kayaking, swimming, tubing, and fishing.

In late fall these restrictions will be lifted and the river will be accessible over winter months.

For both the 2025 and 2026 construction seasons, restrictions will once again be in effect from April through November inhibiting access, use and passage Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Construction will take scheduled breaks during the major summer holidays each season and access to the river will be available for recreation.

Signs will be posted locally at boat launches and access points that will update users of restrictions or changes throughout the construction process.

Ongoing updates for I-90 traffic impacts for this project, and projects all across the state, are available on Idaho 511 by phone, online, or on the app.

Sealcoats for North Central Idaho highways begin Monday

Picture of US-12 taken from a drone near the Montana State boarder.

Several sections of U.S. Highway 95, U.S. Highway 12 and State Highway 11 will begin receiving surface treatments as early as Monday. Motorists can expect work zones with flaggers and one lane of alternating traffic. The sections listed below are in the order that work will be performed:

US-12 from 9-Mile River access (just east of Wilderness Gateway Campground) to the Montana state line.
SH-11 from Grangemont Road to Headquarters.
US-95 from White Bird Bridge to near the top of White Bird Grade.
US-95 from the Goff (Time Zone) Bridge to Riggins.

Each of these sealcoats are anticipated to take between one to two weeks to complete before crews move on to the next section of highway.

Drivers are encouraged to slow down and be ready to stop when approaching a work zone. Delays may range from 15 to 30 minutes. Patience is appreciated for the safety of crews.

Sealcoats are necessary applications that preserve the road and improve the driving surface by waterproofing the roadway and increasing skid resistance for safety. Some additional crack sealing may be performed as part of this restorative maintenance.

Construction will conclude by the end of August. Live traffic impacts across the region can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.

Traffic restrictions in place on SH-71 due to Oregon fire activity

Commercial traffic is restricted on SH-71 due to Durkee fire.

7/25/2024 update:

This restriction has been lifted, however there is a permanent length restriction on SH-71 in place. Check 511.idaho.gov for more information.

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The Idaho Transportation (ITD) is restricting all large commercial traffic from traveling on State Highway 71 due to the ongoing Durkee fire that’s actively burning in Eastern Oregon.

Using SH-71 to access Oregon is not a suitable detour for interstate trucks. SH-71, between Cambridge and the Oregon state line, is narrow and winding. To maintain traffic flow and ensure safety, non-essential commercial vehicles over 26,000 pounds are now prohibited from using this route. Messaging boards have been deployed to inform the public of these restrictions and an alert has been posted to 511.idaho.gov. There is currently no estimate for when these restrictions will be lifted.

Additionally, Interstate 84 between Ontario and Baker City is closed. The Durkee fire is anticipated to expand as high winds are forecasted. There is no estimate for when this segment of I-84 will reopen.

Travelers are advised against heading to Ontario to wait for the reopening. ITD urges drivers to seek alternative routes.

For future updates: I-84 extended closure in eastern Oregon due to wildfires | Idaho Transportation Department

Daytime ramp closures begin at I-84 Exit 141 for US-30 pavement repair

The Idaho Transportation Department will have daytime ramp closures at Exit 141, both on and off ramps, for up to two weeks during work to rehabilitate the pavement on US-30. Closure of the ramps will ensure the work is completed more efficiently and for the safety of the work crews.

During the daytime ramp closures at Exit 141, all drivers will be detoured to Exit 137 about four miles west of Bliss. Ramps at Exit 141 will be opened as work concludes each day; impacts are expected to be complete by July 29.

The ramp closures are part of a project to extend the life of US-30 through Bliss by recycling the existing asphalt, adding cement to better stabilize the roadway base, and repaving the roadway. Construction on US-30 through Bliss is expected to be completed in early fall.

For more information on this project go to Idaho 511.

Major traffic pattern changes starting tomorrow as part of Burley Interchange (Exit 208) reconstruction

Motorists should watch for new traffic patterns on State Highway 27 as part of the reconstruction of the northbound lanes and bridge over Interstate 84 at the Burley Interchange. Beginning tomorrow, the Idaho Transportation Department will implement the following changes while the new road and structure are under construction:

Northbound and southbound SH-27 traffic will shift to the west.
The I-84 westbound on-ramp to SH-27 will be shifted to the north.
The westbound I-84 on-ramp will be closed on the west side of SH-27.
The on-ramp located on the east side of SH-27 will provide westbound access to I-84. The on-ramp will be controlled by a temporary traffic signal.

Motorists should slow down and follow construction signage in the work zone to adjust to the new traffic pattern which will be in place until fall 2025.

Reconstruction of the Burley Interchange is expected to cost $85.1 million.

Built in the early 1960s, the interchange has reached the end of its service life. ITD is focused on improving safety, mobility, and economic opportunity for all users who travel this important agricultural and industrial route.

Construction is being funded as part of Idaho Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho transportation funding initiative. The Leading Idaho initiative allows ITD to take a deliberate approach to advance large projects that will enhance safety, improve mobility, further strengthen Idaho’s economy, and positively impact the Magic Valley and communities across the state for years to come.

To learn more about the project, please visit itdprojects.org/projects/i-84-burley-and-heyburninterchanges.